Star-Ledger file photoNewark attorney Paul Bergrin's murder trial continued today with the testimony of Anthony Young, the confessed shooter of a man allegedly killed at the request of the high-profile lawyer.

NEWARK — Arrested on drug charges that could have put him in prison for life, William Baskerville could only be assured freedom if the informant who had cooperated with federal authorities didn’t testify, defense attorney Paul Bergrin told a crew of drug runners, according to the testimony this afternoon of one of those men.

The testimony of Anthony Young, the confessed killer of that drug informant, is the most potentially damaging so far against Bergrin in his murder conspiracy trial that has the prominent defense attorney in the biggest legal battle of his career.

Although Bergrin, who is representing himself, has yet to cross-examine Young, the testimony about Bergrin’s alleged "hit’’ order on Kemo Deshawn McCray gripped the packed courtroom of U.S. District Judge William Martini in Newark.

"He said we need not to let Kemo testify,’’ Young told a riveted jury. "He said if Kemo testifies against Will, Will would never see the streets again. He would be sent to prison for the rest of his life.’’

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Minish asked if Bergrin had any more words for the group of drug dealers gathered on 17th Street in Newark a week after Thanksgiving in 2003, just after Baskerville had been arrested.

"His words to us, all five of us: 'no Kemo, no case,' ’’ Young said.

"And what did you take that to mean?’’ Minish asked.

"Get rid of him,’’ Young replied.

"Get rid of him how?’’ Minish followed up.

"Kill him,’’ Young responded.

In testimony that kept jurors glued to his every word, Young said he followed through on that directive on March 2, 2004, when he gunned down McCray on South Orange Avenue in Newark in broad daylight.

He said he was lured to commit the deadly deed after Hakeem Curry, the leader of the drug organization for which he worked, made an offer to close associates: $15,000 to the first person who found McCray and killed him.

Young said he wanted the cash because, although he had $50,000 to $60,000 stashed at his house, he wanted extra funds to finance an upcoming trip to Los Angeles for the NBA All-Star Game.

Using a rented silver Grand Am GT with its license plates removed, Young was said he was chauffeured by Baskerville’s brother, fellow drug organization member Rakeem Baskerville, to the house on 18th Street near South Orange Avenue where McCray was doing demolition work with his stepfather.

Charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder, Bergrin is accused of directing the execution of McCray to silence his testimony and to conceal his own alleged role as a cocaine supplier to Curry’s drug-running organization.

Bergrin denies the allegations and insists the government has based its case on the lies of convicted felons who seek to lessen their prison sentences.

Young, 37, could have faced life in prison, but because of his cooperation in William Baskerville’s trial is serving a 30-year prison term that could be reduced even further after this case, said his attorney Henry Klingeman.